The Day I Stopped…

Dear Diary,

Today is the day that I stopped…

…stopped worrying that I only have $277.24 in my bank account.

…stopped worrying how I’m going to pay for some medical expenses next month without insurance.

…stopped caring about trying to be the best—or even good.

…stopped caring about Sallie Mae. I’d pay you if I could.

…stopped being desperate for work.

…stopped discounting my rates for people.

…stopped caring what you might be thinking as you read this.

…stopped caring that I’m losing my hair.

…stopped obsessing over my body fat percentage.

…stopped feeling unloved and lonely.

…stopped saying “yes” to things I don’t want to do.

…stopped caring that I’m 30 and still live with my parents.

…stopped caring what my Linkedin profile or resume says.

…stopped caring where I’ll be 5 years from now.

…stopped caring that I was rejected.

…stopped caring what you think about me when we meet in person.

Today is the day that I stopped being a prisoner in my own head. I can finally walk past the prison guards—who are my thoughts—because I no longer fear what they might do to me if I escape.

Today is the day I can finally start living.

I’m finally free.

Sincerely,

-Joe